Japan

Taste of Japan

Edamame

This salty snack of pods of baby soybeans goes well with beer. You can often find it at Japanese ballparks.9601280

This salty snack of pods of baby soybeans goes well with beer. You can often find it at Japanese ballparks.

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Yakitori

Yakitori

Yakitori are small pieces of skewered chicken and vegetables cooked on a grill. Each part of the chicken is typically grilled: the meat, liver, gizzard, skin, tail, cartilage, wing and small intestines.9601280

Yakitori are small pieces of skewered chicken and vegetables cooked on a grill. Each part of the chicken is typically grilled: the meat, liver, gizzard, skin, tail, cartilage, wing and small intestines.

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Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki

This hot pot dish consists of thinly sliced beef, onions and tofu cooked in a sweet soup. It is eaten with rice and raw egg. It is also a popular wintertime treat. 9601280

This hot pot dish consists of thinly sliced beef, onions and tofu cooked in a sweet soup. It is eaten with rice and raw egg. It is also a popular wintertime treat.

Yumi Kimura, flickr

Tempura

Tempura

Tempura is any food (usually meat, veggies or seafood) that is fried in a special batter. It is usually served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu.9601280

Tempura is any food (usually meat, veggies or seafood) that is fried in a special batter. It is usually served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu.

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Sakuramochi

Sakuramochi

Eaten during the Cherry Blossom Festival as well as Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) in Japan, this pastry comes in 2 varieties: the Kanto (Tokyo) style where azuki bean paste-filled pancake/crepe is wrapped with a pickled sakura leaf, and the Kansai style, which is made with Domyoji-ko, a kind of glutinous rice flour that is steamed and filled with azuki.9601280

Eaten during the Cherry Blossom Festival as well as Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) in Japan, this pastry comes in 2 varieties: the Kanto (Tokyo) style where azuki bean paste-filled pancake/crepe is wrapped with a pickled sakura leaf, and the Kansai style, which is made with Domyoji-ko, a kind of glutinous rice flour that is steamed and filled with azuki.

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Seaweed Salad

Seaweed Salad

Japanese seaweed salad can consist of 1 or more types of seaweed: wakame, arame, dulse, hijiki, ao-nori and agar strips. It is often made with sesame seeds and oil. Seaweed is a super food and is loaded with anti-oxidants and minerals.9601280

Japanese seaweed salad can consist of 1 or more types of seaweed: wakame, arame, dulse, hijiki, ao-nori and agar strips. It is often made with sesame seeds and oil. Seaweed is a super food and is loaded with anti-oxidants and minerals.

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Soba

Soba

Soba is another popular soup-based dish. When served hot, the thin buckwheat noodles are topped with items such as tempura, duck, mochi (rice cakes) or mountain vegetables. It can also be served cold with wasabi.9601280

Soba is another popular soup-based dish. When served hot, the thin buckwheat noodles are topped with items such as tempura, duck, mochi (rice cakes) or mountain vegetables. It can also be served cold with wasabi.

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Sake

Sake

This alcoholic beverage is made from fermented rice called shinpaku-mai. The higher the starch content of the rice, the better the sake. There are 4 types of sake, and each uses a different type of rice: junmai-shu, honjozo-shu, ginjo-shu and daiginjo-shu. 9601280

This alcoholic beverage is made from fermented rice called shinpaku-mai. The higher the starch content of the rice, the better the sake. There are 4 types of sake, and each uses a different type of rice: junmai-shu, honjozo-shu, ginjo-shu and daiginjo-shu.

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Ramen Noodles

Ramen Noodles

Ramen are Japanese noodles with an oily soup that has a meat or fish broth flavored with soy sauce, salt or miso. Ramen noodles can be topped with thin sliced pork, egg, nori (type of seaweed) and green onion.9601280

Ramen are Japanese noodles with an oily soup that has a meat or fish broth flavored with soy sauce, salt or miso. Ramen noodles can be topped with thin sliced pork, egg, nori (type of seaweed) and green onion.

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Miso Soup

Miso Soup

Miso soup is made with a simple stock called dashi (seaweed and fish shavings). A small amount of miso paste is added to the broth, which ends up floating in the mixture. Seaweed, onion and tofu are all toppings that can be used in the soup. 9601280

Miso soup is made with a simple stock called dashi (seaweed and fish shavings). A small amount of miso paste is added to the broth, which ends up floating in the mixture. Seaweed, onion and tofu are all toppings that can be used in the soup.

cyclonebill, flickr

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki

Often translated as Japanese pancake, these patties are made from a batter of flour, eggs and shredded cabbage. Veggies, meat, seafood and cheese can all be mixed in. They are often topped with fish or seaweed flakes, mayonnaise and pickled ginger. 9601280

Often translated as Japanese pancake, these patties are made from a batter of flour, eggs and shredded cabbage. Veggies, meat, seafood and cheese can all be mixed in. They are often topped with fish or seaweed flakes, mayonnaise and pickled ginger.

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Shabu-shabu

Shabu-shabu

Similar to fondue, these thin slices of pork or beef are cooked by submerging them in boiling broth using long chopsticks. They can be eaten along with veggies, seafood or tofu.9601280

Similar to fondue, these thin slices of pork or beef are cooked by submerging them in boiling broth using long chopsticks. They can be eaten along with veggies, seafood or tofu.

Christian Kadluba, flickr

Sushi

Sushi

There are 2 varieties of sushi. Maki is when fish, veggies or a combo are rolled into rice and wrapped in seaweed. Nigiri means 'hand made,' and includes rice shaped into a rectangle with a piece of fish on top. 9601280

There are 2 varieties of sushi. Maki is when fish, veggies or a combo are rolled into rice and wrapped in seaweed. Nigiri means 'hand made,' and includes rice shaped into a rectangle with a piece of fish on top.

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Tsukemono

Tsukemono

These Japanese pickles come in many varieties such as beni shoga (ginger pickle), bettarazuke (Japanese radish pickle), gari (young sweet ginger pickle) and nasu karashizuke (pickled eggplant). They are used as toppings or a side dish.9601280

These Japanese pickles come in many varieties such as beni shoga (ginger pickle), bettarazuke (Japanese radish pickle), gari (young sweet ginger pickle) and nasu karashizuke (pickled eggplant). They are used as toppings or a side dish.

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Udon

Udon

Udon are thick Japanese wheat noodles. They can be eaten cold with a dipping sauce and wasabi, or hot in a broth with toppings such as tofu, tempura or toasted mochi.9601280

Udon are thick Japanese wheat noodles. They can be eaten cold with a dipping sauce and wasabi, or hot in a broth with toppings such as tofu, tempura or toasted mochi.

Thinkstock

Taiyaki

Taiyaki

Taiyaki are fish-shaped Japanese sweets filled with red bean paste or custard and served hot. They are a popular food at Japanese festivals. 9601280

Taiyaki are fish-shaped Japanese sweets filled with red bean paste or custard and served hot. They are a popular food at Japanese festivals.

yomi955, Wikimedia Commons

Ikura

Ikura

The salmon eggs can be served on rice as sushi or in onigiri (rice ball). 9601280

The salmon eggs can be served on rice as sushi or in onigiri (rice ball).

Cook It Raw chefs in Japan

Photos

Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires

As Argentina’s oldest café, this historic hangout has been a gathering spot for artists, politicians and musicians since the late 1800s. You can’t leave without ordering the local favorite -- chocolate con churros, crunchy fried dough dipped into thick hot chocolate.9601280

As Argentina’s oldest café, this historic hangout has been a gathering spot for artists, politicians and musicians since the late 1800s. You can’t leave without ordering the local favorite -- chocolate con churros, crunchy fried dough dipped into thick hot chocolate.

Getty Images

Café Central, Vienna

Café Central, Vienna

A Viennese institution since 1876, this palatial coffeehouse has been a meeting place for some of the world’s greatest minds, from Sigmund Freud to Leon Trotsky. True to Viennese café culture, you’ll want to linger for hours in this grand café.9601280

A Viennese institution since 1876, this palatial coffeehouse has been a meeting place for some of the world’s greatest minds, from Sigmund Freud to Leon Trotsky. True to Viennese café culture, you’ll want to linger for hours in this grand café.

Torsten Mangner, flickr

Sant'Eustachio il Caffe, Rome

Sant'Eustachio il Caffe, Rome

Founded in 1938, this small stand-up café is a landmark in the heart of Rome, near the city’s iconic Piazza Navona. Drinking espresso standing up is the equivalent of to-go coffee for Italians. No matter how much time you have, order the local favorite "gran caffè speciale,” a shot of sweetened espresso. 9601280

Founded in 1938, this small stand-up café is a landmark in the heart of Rome, near the city’s iconic Piazza Navona. Drinking espresso standing up is the equivalent of to-go coffee for Italians. No matter how much time you have, order the local favorite "gran caffè speciale,” a shot of sweetened espresso.

Michiel Jelijs, flickr

La Cafeotheque, Paris

La Cafeotheque, Paris

While many cafes in Paris focus on atmosphere more than the coffee, this spot is one of the exceptions. Coffee aficionados, Parisian hipsters and tourists alike all gather at this café for the best beans from all over the world, which are roasted in-house. 9601280

While many cafes in Paris focus on atmosphere more than the coffee, this spot is one of the exceptions. Coffee aficionados, Parisian hipsters and tourists alike all gather at this café for the best beans from all over the world, which are roasted in-house.

Premshree Pillai, flickr

Winkel, Amsterdam

Winkel, Amsterdam

A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this charming corner café is known for its appeltaart (Dutch apple pie). But it’s also a great spot to sip on coffee, especially because of the outdoor seating, with its front-row view of the bustling farmers market nearby. 9601280

A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this charming corner café is known for its appeltaart (Dutch apple pie). But it’s also a great spot to sip on coffee, especially because of the outdoor seating, with its front-row view of the bustling farmers market nearby.

Kathleen Rellihan

Toma Café, Madrid

Toma Café, Madrid

To keep up with this high-energy city, you’ll need plenty of caffeine. The locals head to this tiny bustling café to refuel with favorites such as café con leche (espresso with milk) and alfajores (caramel biscuit sweet). 9601280

To keep up with this high-energy city, you’ll need plenty of caffeine. The locals head to this tiny bustling café to refuel with favorites such as café con leche (espresso with milk) and alfajores (caramel biscuit sweet).

Yukino Miyazawa, flickr

Kaffeine, London

Kaffeine, London

While the caffeinated beverage of choice in London is tea, coffee (good coffee, too) can still be found in this city. Inspired by the cafes in Australia and New Zealand, this independent coffee spot is always packed with those in search of an expertly brewed cup of java. 9601280

While the caffeinated beverage of choice in London is tea, coffee (good coffee, too) can still be found in this city. Inspired by the cafes in Australia and New Zealand, this independent coffee spot is always packed with those in search of an expertly brewed cup of java.

elisabet.s, flickr

Caffé Vita, Seattle

Caffé Vita, Seattle

Virtually anywhere you go in Seattle, you’re an arm’s length away from a great cup of coffee. So if you ask a Seattleite where to find the best coffee, be prepared for a lengthy list in response. A local favorite, this café specializes in small-batch coffee roasting and even offers the general public a chance to learn the secret to its artisanal brewing with its Public Brewing School.9601280

Virtually anywhere you go in Seattle, you’re an arm’s length away from a great cup of coffee. So if you ask a Seattleite where to find the best coffee, be prepared for a lengthy list in response. A local favorite, this café specializes in small-batch coffee roasting and even offers the general public a chance to learn the secret to its artisanal brewing with its Public Brewing School.

Kathleen Rellihan

Reslau, Auckland

Reslau, Auckland

New Zealand invented and perfected the country’s signature coffee drink -- the flat white, a shot of espresso blended with steamed milk, no froth. This award-winning café is one of the best spots in Auckland to enjoy an expertly crafted flat white topped off with a home-baked treat. 9601280

New Zealand invented and perfected the country’s signature coffee drink -- the flat white, a shot of espresso blended with steamed milk, no froth. This award-winning café is one of the best spots in Auckland to enjoy an expertly crafted flat white topped off with a home-baked treat.

Moira Clunie, flickr

Double Tall, Japan

Double Tall, Japan

While you might think that the Japanese drink green tea all day, coffee is becoming more and more popular in this country, especially with the younger generations. While the iconic vending machine is a popular way to get your caffeine fix to-go, there is a small band of quality coffee shops in Tokyo, with Double Tall leading the pack. Known for its latte art, the coffee’s presentation -- and taste -- will wow you.9601280

While you might think that the Japanese drink green tea all day, coffee is becoming more and more popular in this country, especially with the younger generations. While the iconic vending machine is a popular way to get your caffeine fix to-go, there is a small band of quality coffee shops in Tokyo, with Double Tall leading the pack. Known for its latte art, the coffee’s presentation -- and taste -- will wow you.

Close up of sandwich

Berlin's most popular street food is the doner kebab -- and Mustafa's Gemüsekebap is the most famous food stall to get it.9601280

Berlin's most popular street food is the doner kebab -- and Mustafa's Gemüsekebap is the most famous food stall to get it.

Food on the grill

Food on the grill

Outside of Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market, fish and giant oysters are on the grill -- almost ready for sale at one of the many hawker stands.9601280

Outside of Tokyo's famous Tsukiji Fish Market, fish and giant oysters are on the grill -- almost ready for sale at one of the many hawker stands.

Close-up of a Japanese omelet

Close-up of a Japanese omelet

Under the train tracks in the Ameyoko area of Tokyo, you'll find vendors selling this unique version of a Japanese omelet.9601280

Under the train tracks in the Ameyoko area of Tokyo, you'll find vendors selling this unique version of a Japanese omelet.

A pair of rice flour cakes

A pair of rice flour cakes

A popular Japanese snack is rice flour cakes, also known as age-manjyu. The cakes are stuffed with flavors like pumpkin and sweet potato, then deep fried.9601280

A popular Japanese snack is rice flour cakes, also known as age-manjyu. The cakes are stuffed with flavors like pumpkin and sweet potato, then deep fried.

A thick, spicy potato stew

A thick, spicy potato stew

Pav bhaji is a thick, spicy potato stew -- a popular "on-the-go" lunch at foods stands in Mumbai, India.9601280

Pav bhaji is a thick, spicy potato stew -- a popular "on-the-go" lunch at foods stands in Mumbai, India.

Close-up of crispy roti

Close-up of crispy roti

A quick snack on the busy streets of Mumbai is roti, a flatbread baked in traditional wood-fired tandoori ovens, as it has been for centuries.9601280

A quick snack on the busy streets of Mumbai is roti, a flatbread baked in traditional wood-fired tandoori ovens, as it has been for centuries.

Shot of whole roasted fresh fish

Shot of whole roasted fresh fish

Whole roasted fresh fish, giant prawns and spicy dipping sauce are popular at the floating markets in Bangkok.9601280

Whole roasted fresh fish, giant prawns and spicy dipping sauce are popular at the floating markets in Bangkok.

papaya salad with black crab

papaya salad with black crab

Fresh papaya salad with black crab is a spicy and popular dish found at street-food stalls all over Bangkok.9601280

Fresh papaya salad with black crab is a spicy and popular dish found at street-food stalls all over Bangkok.

Close-up of dumplings

Close-up of dumplings

In Hong Kong, you'll find dumplings of every kind similar to these vegetable dumplings sold at hawker stalls across this crowded city.9601280

In Hong Kong, you'll find dumplings of every kind similar to these vegetable dumplings sold at hawker stalls across this crowded city.

Small bowls of food

Small bowls of food

A makeshift kitchen is set up on a boat at a floating market in Bangkok. Wonderful produce is also served at many of the traditional Thai floating markets, such as Bang Khu Wiang and Taling Chan. Many more floating markets can be found all over the country and in close proximity to Bangkok.9601280

A makeshift kitchen is set up on a boat at a floating market in Bangkok. Wonderful produce is also served at many of the traditional Thai floating markets, such as Bang Khu Wiang and Taling Chan. Many more floating markets can be found all over the country and in close proximity to Bangkok.

Cookies for sale

Cookies for sale

Baked cookies for sale at Jerusalem's popular Mahane Yehuda Market.9601280

Baked cookies for sale at Jerusalem's popular Mahane Yehuda Market.

Juice for sale

Juice for sale

Juice stands are popular across Israel. The fresh juice offers a delicious relief from the subtropical heat.9601280

Juice stands are popular across Israel. The fresh juice offers a delicious relief from the subtropical heat.

Dates and dried apricots

Dates and dried apricots

Dates and dried apricots for sale on the streets of Jerusalem. A tradition dating back 2,000 years.9601280

Dates and dried apricots for sale on the streets of Jerusalem. A tradition dating back 2,000 years.

Picture of banana leaves

Picture of banana leaves

Sticky rice with banana wrapped in banana leaf is a delicious street food found all over Bangkok.9601280

Sticky rice with banana wrapped in banana leaf is a delicious street food found all over Bangkok.